The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, but it should be. Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.
So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.
The day has become a marketing opportunity as well. Let's just say that the same folks who become Irish for St. Patrick's Day become Mexicans on Cinco de Mayo.
For those who indulge too mightily in the Spirit of Independence and wake up on Seis de Mayo feeling like they consumed the cactus in its unrefined form, here's a fine hangover remedy. If you survive the cure, you'll be OK.
Saludos, Amigos.
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